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10 Steps To Help You Choose Joy

10 Steps To Help You Choose Joy

(photo credit)

10 Steps To Help You Choose Joy

Welcome to the 40 Day Clutter Challenge – Today we will finish up the Kitchen Pantry and work on the Refrigerator.

If this is your first time here check out our kick- off page by clicking the link below.

Hi friends, today I am going to share a bit about my journey after losing my brother.  I will be sharing how I had to ‘learn’ after the many steps of grief to choose joy.  I do mention my faith because it is an enormous part of my life. However, we each have our own journey through hard times. The steps do apply to any person’s faith or personal journey.  You will find the 10 steps below the paragraphs about choosing joy.  Thanks for being here today.

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Choose Joy

When I lost my brother two years ago getting up and being joyful each morning was a difficult task.  There were days when I felt normal and then days when I felt like each breath was an act of pure will. My heart ached at night before sleep when I thought of texting my brother on Facebook or chatting with him on the phone, which was our daily ritual.  My heart was at its lightest when I chatted and laughed with my husband watching our “one” allotted television show each night.

It took a long time to be joyful when thinking of my brother and laugh at the silly things we did in our youth. A long time to reminisce about our years in the Holy Land or at the Air Force Bases where my father was stationed.  I had to make a choice to wake up each morning and be joyful for my sons.  I did not want them to feel that my brother’s death was a horrible thing, but just part of life. My brother was a faithful man to his family and to God. He spent the last couple of years of his life praying for not just his eternal happiness, but for all of his family and friends. I wanted them to remember him as a beautiful role model of how life could be lived.

Choose Joy, Mommacan.com

( pictured my brother, cousin, and me in the yarn white and blue hat) 

Experiencing Joy Even In The Most Difficult Circumstances

My brother made a point of doing some act of kindness to every single person he was close to before he died.  It was almost like God nudging him in the right direction.

Our last outing together was to see the new Star Wars film. I asked him if he would wear a cool themed t-shirt and his response was he would go all-natural… like Chewbacca. (His goofy way of saying ‘his birthday suit)”.  He was not well then, but I remember him playing a game with his son at my mom’s house and his face lit up with pure joy.  JOY. Even though he was not well and his body weakened for all kinds of medical reasons.  He had the same goofy smile and crazy laugh that he did when we played video games in high school with our best pals. JOY,  those last moments together were pure joy.  And it gave me the gift of not only seeing that joy on his face but remembering that moment each time the pain of loss was so great that I did not know how I could go on.  I had to learn steps to be joyful after I lost my brother. I had to take portions of these steps daily to help me in my healing journey.

Listed below are 10 steps to help you choose joy.  These steps were a tremendous help to me as I moved through the stages of grief. I also find them helpful when I am feeling overwhelmed as a busy mom.

10 Steps To Help You Choose Joy

Even when life is tough.

Choosing joy in many circumstances can be difficult, especially when times are tough or you have been through a loss.  However, there are tangible steps you can take to make it easier to be joyful.

  1. Get plenty of sleep.
  2. Start your morning with meditation, quiet reflection, or prayer.
  3. Turn on some groovy music that makes you happy.
  4. Take a lengthy walk, preferably in nature.
  5. Watch a show that makes you laugh.
  6. Hug the people you love. Ask for a hug when you need one!
  7. Be prepared for the low points, especially when you are going through tough times.
  8. Count your blessings, write them down or text them to yourself.  Keep a gratitude journal! (yes, I regularly text from my phone to my computer, doesn’t everyone?)
  9. Spend time or ask someone to help you tidy the three rooms you use the most. The clean appearance will lift your spirits. Mine is the kitchen, bathroom, and office. (I work from home)
  10. Eat healthy – well-balanced meals.  It would surprise you how much better you feel if you remove processed food.  This can be a big change for many, so start slow. Maybe start with removing all the junk snacks and having fruit or carrot sticks as a replacement.

Choosing Joy

Choosing joy can be so rewarding.  Your family will feel your happiness and they will be happier.  I know that it is difficult sometimes.  The burden of loss, the fear of financial crisis, going through a divorce, or even just plain old ” I Got the Blues”.  If you can’t get out of your funk and feel blue consistently seek professional help.  That is what they are there for, and just having someone to talk with can ease the burden on your heart.

Remember, you are loved. Be joyful!

QUESTION: How do you add more joy to your life? 

I would love to hear your comments either in the comment sections on Facebook or you can email me directly at momma@mommacan.com.

True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new. Antoine de Saint-Exupery

CHALLENGE:  Today we are finishing up the kitchen pantry and starting on the refrigerator.  Remember, we are cleaning and tidying for 20 minutes and getting rid of 12 items of unwanted clutter.  The Kitchen Fridge is just a suggestion, you can choose any room in the house.   However, reducing clutter in the kitchen pantry is essential in planning meals.  A well-organized pantry eases the struggle of finding items for meals and can save money. Save money?  Yes, because it reduces duplicate purchases.

Have a beautiful day!  Be Joyful!  And Be Kind!

Pam aka Momma

10 Steps To Help You Choose Joy Join the 40 Day Clutter Challenge and begin your journy to peace and a cluter free home. Mommacan.com

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